Interesting facts about Sapa

• The location of Sapa means that it has many endemic species of flora and fauna (species only found in Sapa)
• There used to be over 200 French colonials villas, but they were all destroyed between 1940 and 1960.
• There is a Saturday night Love Market in Sapa where Black Hmong and Red Dao teenagers come to find a partner. Done more discreetly these days
• It is home to Vietnam’s highest mountain. Mt Fansipan, which is over 3000 metres. Why not climb it!

Why we love Sapa (and think you will too)

• The fresh mountainous air.
• Bac Ha Market – the busy Sunday market by the Chinese border
• The minority people, their traditions and ways of life
• Stretching our legs and heading off for remote villages, to be greeted by chicken, goats, ducks, friendly faces and rice wine!

Our top tips on getting the best out of Sapa

• You are not allowed to go trekking without a guide, so don’t bother. Book an pre -organized tour and get off that beaten track!
• Go to the markets in the town and under the main market you’ll find the food market. Have a wander around and sample some local cuisine.
• Be very careful when you buy any turquoise clothing or bags, when the dye gets wet, it runs and is almost impossible to wash out of clothing.
• Be patient with the local children and be very impressed by their spoken English. Many of them are very poor, have one meal a day and rely on tourists to survive. Education is not an option.
• Have a hot chocolate and homemade cake at Baguette et Chocolat – yummy and the perfect post trek treat!
• Take cash before you go, the bank conversion rates are high and ATMs are un reliable

Weather in Sapa

• December and January are cold but dry (it can snow) and you’ll want that log fire. There is mist and low cloud during this period.
• February – April  are mostly dry with temperatures gradually warming up but you may still need a heater.
• May – September are the warmest and wettest with July and August being busiest season for domestic tourism and also the wettest.

Our fab trips in and out of Sapa

For our recommended hotels in Hanoi, please click here